a few things i've heard but cannot to seem to find reliable info on that i'm sure you can clear up:

1) fats role in protein assimilation
does one need to eat fat at the same time as protein in order to properly digest it? i would assume it does not and that the body can get what it needs from stores in the body?

2) protein burns calories
i've come across claims protein burns more calories than it puts in (e.g. for every calorie of protein you digest it takes 2 calories to do it). any truth to this? or that high protein intake is associated with higher metabolism (if total calories are the same, just a larger % from protein)?

3) Betaine HCl tablets
Are these of any use whatsoever? or do they pose more of a long term threat than anything?